Trelleborg’s refrigerant-ready elastomers embody our commitment to supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as the industry faces unprecedented change. As heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems transform to meet global environmental targets and drive higher efficiency, manufacturers demand materials that ensure lasting reliability, durability and safety across a spectrum of refrigerant types. 

Our advanced sealing technologies are underpinned by a comprehensive elastomer portfolio, engineered to deliver robust performance, chemical compatibility and stable mechanical properties in both established and next-generation refrigerant environments. By combining deep materials expertise with sustained R&D investment, we help you navigate evolving regulations and complex application demands.
Download the Refrigerant-Ready Elastomers brochure

Elastomer materials for HVACR systems

HNBR materials
Heat-resistant with long-term stability
Strong fluid compatibility - wide operating temperature range
EPDM materials
Cost-effective with proven compatibility
Chemical stability - durability - versatility - reliable performance
CR materials
Reliable with broad chemical compatibility
Stability - broad chemical compatibility
FKM materials
Engineered for extreme environments
Stability - broad chemical compatibility

Special features of Refrigerant-Ready Elastomers 

  • Exceptional resistance to swelling and extraction in refrigerants and lubricants
  • Consistent mechanical stability and integrity throughout the product’s service life
  • Reliable performance across temperatures from -30 °C to +150 °C/-22 °F to +302 °F and beyond
  • Compatible with a complete range of refrigerant families, from HFO, HFC and blends to natural refrigerants
  • Solutions are available for applications where electrical resistivity or resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD) is required
  • Performance verified through comprehensive in-house immersion and extractability testing
  • Offered in a variety of configurations, including O-Rings and engineered molded parts
  • Supported by dedicated global engineering, technical testing and application expertise
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Seals and components for HVACR applications

Trelleborg manufactures a variety of seals for HVACR systems, ranging from standard O-Rings to complex multicomponent parts.
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Products

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Products

  • Compressors (all major compressor types, including scroll, rotary, centrifugal and reciprocating designs)
  • Valves
  • Sensing equipment
  • Automotive thermal management systems

How we test elastomer compatibility with refrigerants

Our data-driven approach replicates real-world operational demands, ensuring material selection is based on proven performance and long-term reliability. To ensure optimal performance across real-world applications, we conduct comprehensive in-house validation, aligning our advanced evaluation methods with modified ASHRAE standards. This enables us to verify material behavior under varied thermal and chemical stresses across a broad portfolio of refrigerants and lubricants. By capturing both immediate and long-term material shifts, including volume change, hardness shift, mechanical properties and compression set, we ensure that every material will deliver compliance and high performance in diverse and demanding conditions.
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R&D testing capabilities

Trelleborg's R&D network is equipped with over 200 test rigs and 250 material testing devices, enabling comprehensive validation across our entire material portfolio. From custom testing adapted to customer hardware to application-specific simulations, we ensure certified quality and reliability and meet the strictest standards.

​​​Our continued investment in R&D means you benefit from robust, innovative polymer solutions validated through world-class testing and deep global technical expertise. With industry-leading testing capabilities that mirror real-world application demands, we ensure each material is carefully evaluated for reliability, performance and compliance.
Photo shooting, R&D, Stuttgart
Material development and testing:
Trelleborg develops proprietary elastomers, thermoplastics, high-performance plastics and more through a global research network. Advanced in-house analysis and norm-based testing, covering mechanical properties, cold behavior, long-term durability and more, ensure every material meets demanding specifications.
Explore our material development and testing capabilities

Customer-specific product testing:
Our CE-certified test rigs and more than 100 specialized test rooms allow us to replicate real-world conditions for seals and components. We deliver application-specific testing, from high-speed rotary seals to fully customized test rigs built for the unique hardware and requirements of our customers.
Explore our customer-specific product testing capabilities

Technical questions and answers

  • What are the primary benefits of using advanced elastomers for next-gen HVACR applications?
    Advanced refrigerant-ready elastomers reduce HVACR equipment downtime by providing excellent durability, chemical compatibility and mechanical stability. They help manufacturers meet stringent environmental regulations while maintaining system efficiency.
  • How do you choose between EPDM and HNBR for refrigerants materials?

    Proper polymer selection depends heavily on the specific fluid composition and operating temperature. For example, EPDM offers exceptional compatibility with most fluorinated gases and polar lubricants, while HNBR offers good compatibility with fluorinated gases and most non-polar lubricants. Please contact us to speak with an expert to help specify the best material for your application.
  • Which elastomers are compatible with CO2 refrigerants?
    Our extensive material portfolio includes HNBR, EPDM, CR and FKM families, many of which are compatible with CO₂. We validate materials through rigorous in-house testing to ensure exceptional chemical stability, mechanical integrity and reliable sealing performance. Please contact us to speak with an expert to help specify the best material for your application.
  • How are elastomers tested for compatibility with modern refrigerants?
    We validate our advanced polymer materials through rigorous in-house testing aligned with modified ASHRAE standards to ensure long-term reliability in demanding HVACR applications. These tests typically include immersion in refrigerants and lubricants at defined temperatures, followed by measurement of key properties such as volume change, hardness shift, mechanical properties and compression set. By replicating real-world operational demands, we deliver proven sealing solutions that protect essential equipment and maintain exceptional performance under the harshest conditions.